South Africans Hopeful, but See Few Changes After Zuma

South Africa's "Ramaphoria" -- the feeling of hope and euphoria after President Cyril Ramaphosa succeeded Jacob Zuma last year -- was still on full display last August, when a record 66% of South Africans approved of the job Ramaphosa was doing as president. But it is unclear how far his popularity will take him and the African National Congress (ANC) party on Wednesday as South Africa votes in what some are calling the most important election since Nelson Mandela's.

Several polls conducted since Gallup's last survey suggest a strong showing for Ramaphosa and the ANC. However, despite Ramaphosa's intense personal popularity, South Africans, at least as of last August, had not seen much change yet on at least two key issues that ultimately forced his predecessor to resign: corruption and the economy. These issues will likely still be on their minds this Election Day.

Government Corruption Remains Widespread

After years of corruption scandals reaching the highest levels of their leadership, 82% of South Africans in 2018 saw the problem as widespread within their government. This is basically unchanged from the 85% who said the same during Zuma's last full year in office and is consistent with readings during most of his tenure.

Majority Sees Economic Conditions Getting Worse

South Africa's economy has been struggling since the country's last election, taking consumer confidence down with it. Six months into Ramaphosa's tenure, South Africans' optimism had not rebounded. Four in 10 South Africans saw their local economic situations getting better in 2018, while the majority (55%) said conditions were getting worse.

These results are based on face-to-face interviews with approximately 1,000 adults in South Africa, aged 15 and older, from July 27-Aug. 15, 2018. For results based on the total sample, the margin of sampling error is ±3.6 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The margin of error reflects the influence of data weighting. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.

South Africans are far more likely to say the government should prioritize job creation over other issues, including corruption, education, and healthcare. Nearly 70% say it is a bad time to find a job in their community.